Design School Kolding

“If it can be reused, it must be reused”

At the heart of the renovation is a commitment to sustainability, seen in the decision to retain, reuse and repurpose existing parts of the building’s infrastructure from facades, walls, windows and ceilings. 

Inside the building, that commitment extended to their decision to keep the 100 Series 7™ chairs that have been at the school for over 30 years. These iconic Arne Jacobsen chairs have developed a beautiful patina through everyday use by the students and staff. The school requested Fritz Hansen 50 additional used Series 7™ chairs from the Recrafted programme – restored chairs from other customers, which were inspected, refurbished, and delivered with a renewed 10-year warranty for their next life chapter. 

The school opted not to relacquer, but to keep the used chairs’ naturally aged look, thus keeping them in line with their existing chairs. The patina adds character and a visible commitment to espousing the necessity of longevity in design to the students - the designers of tomorrow.

The new environment embraces light, openness, and flexibility, fostering creativity while preserving the school’s design heritage. As Lene Tanggaard, former Rector of Design School Kolding, noted: “The transformation of Design School Kolding must be sustainable on several levels. We want to minimize the impact on the climate, and we dream of creating the best possible framework for social sustainability.” 

Blending their own and adding more used Series 7™ chairs at this prestigious design school sets a wonderful example for future generations. By choosing to reuse quality furniture and existing architectural elements, Kolding School of Design highlights the power of thoughtful, sustainable design that respects the past and the future.